It's been at least 5-6 years since I've logged on. Glad to see quite a few of the names I remember from back then.

I've been participating in a "wine society" at the seminary where I study, and this month is a "bring your own bottle". I don't have near the experience as most here, so I thought I'd get some suggestions. What is your all-time favorite, easy to find red out there at or under $25?

Thanks! I'll definitely try the Hedges sometime myself. For our meeting I think I want to go with something old world, though (knowing my company). Hotwine's Chianti sounds good too, but slightly over the strict $25 limit at every place I can find it (We don't have a Specs here in St. Louis, and I'm not a Costco member). I'll keep my eye open for the Muga Reserva. If anyone has any other suggestions, I'm open. Thanks again.

Welcome back, Duane. There's a really nice red from Italy I've been revisiting quite a bit lately. It's the Morellino di Scansano, and you should be able to find it at most any decent wine shop for $20 or less. It's basically about 85% Sangiovese and 15% Cab Sauv. The one I like right now is from Rocca della Macie.

Right now the Weener is in Las Vegas at the annual rug merchants show trying to drum up some business. He'll be back in a few days.

Interesting thread. While I like the Hedges CMS as a quaffer, I don't think it's all that. I'm a big fan of an Australian Shiraz, Pirramimma that I've followed for years. Easy to find in my neck of the woods for $25 and under but can't speak to where you are. Just a suggestion.

I like the idea of the Muga Reserva or the Condoulet de Beaucastel. A good Rosso di Montalcino is another option. Maybe the wine shop manager/salesperson could recommend a good one or let you try one before purchasing. You should be able to find a nice Beaujolais Premier Cru for that price range--maybe a Brouilly or Cote de Brouilly.

I wish I'd of gotten into wine 20 years ago so I could match wits with you all, but...anyway in my limited experience, a friend brought by an inexpensive ($13) bottle I enjoyed, I'm pretty sure I've seen it mentioned here,
Cono Sur pinot noir. A Rothcild product from Chile, I think. WP

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions. Unfortunately, I had to stop at the wine shop (Wine Merchant in Clayton) at a time when I did not have your suggestions handy. I ended up going with the suggestion of a guy who worked there. I bought a 2006 Cellers Can Blau (Spain - Montsant) at $16 + tax. It is a Mazuelo, Syrah, Garnacha blend. To go with it, a really nice Spanish Mahon raw cow's milk cheese. Hopefully these will go over well. I'll post comments and list some of the night's winners after the tasting. Thanks again!

Great-Heavens-To-Betsy the Mity Duane be returned! Did a 1-2 year strech meself onced. Glad your back. My own personal favorite for an under 20 per clatter is the Joel Gott. Drinks more like a 40 and has enough whiskers to improve for at least another 2-4. At the 25 Level I'm hooked on the Archipal. Lovely meritage that kicks some serious patootie. Velchomme back DM.
Drink heavily, stay outta' jail, and post often. BPR, WW

Good to see your smiling posts, WW. Wine tasting is tomorrow, so more on that in a couple days.

On an unrelated note, I just got accepted for an all-expense paid study abroad program in Oberursel, Germany. I'll be there all next school year. Too bad they only do whites well over there. We'll do plenty of traveling though. I hear they're doing good things with wine over in France...

As for the results of Tuesday night's tasting (about 12 different bottles)...

My 2006 Can Blau actually tied for first place in the vote. (details in previous post) Better reception the second time around after being open for an hour.

The other one in first place was a 2004 Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas (though it was $2 over our price cap of $25). Also very nice.

My personal favorite, though, was another Spanish wine - a 2005 Juan Gil. Not as popular with everyone else. $16

Also very popular all around was a 1991 (yes, 1991) Kabinet riesling from Mosel. Delicious. Probably the most complex and sophisticated white I've ever had. It held up very well. Can't recall who made it (it was a last minute addition, so it didn't make the print-out for the night). $22